Many parts of this course will be centered around the real world project happening concurrently with this course called "Shanghai, I Love You." Or "Shanghai, Wo Ai Ni." This project will give students access to people in the film industry such as producers, directors, etc. that actually work in the film industry in Shanghai and around the world. It will also give students potential access to submit and have their screenplays made as well as work on set with industry professionals. This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity and students are heavily encouraged to be proactive in engaging with the Shanghai, I Love You project as much as possible. All information for events related to Shanghai, I Love You can be found here:
Students are also encouraged, of course, to ask Mr. Louderback regarding any questions surrounding this real world project.
The first major date for this exceptional opportunity for young filmmakers is September 17 the Black Tie Event and then The Launch, September 19th, in Shanghai, which are the first events for this calendar year. Any questions can be directed towards Mr. Louderback at ryanlouderback@gmail.com.
It is very important that everyone is familiar with the IB Film Subject Guide, especially the Assessment Section. The Assessment Section tells you what you will do for your grade and how you will be graded. Please skim the Film Subject Guide and read very carefully the Assessment section.
S2F2 (March 13-14, 2015) The Shanghai Student Film Festival
We are also hoping to submit, at least one film to S2F2. This is exactly what it sounds like- a student film festival and a big one. Learn more here at:
HERE IS THE IB FILM GUIDE: All students should read the Syllabus and the Assessment parts so they understand what they will study and how they will be graded
I am looking forward to a very exciting year of film with all of you. (End of introduction)
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Unit 1 Part 1 Film and Video Fundamentals
20 hours; 5 weeks
an introduction to:
Textual Analysis
Film History and Theory
Production and the Creative Process
Essential Understanding: A film comes in many layers and the act of creating a film has many stages and requires thought, planning, and perseverance.
Textual Analysis, Film History and Theory, and Production will be what we study for the next two years. In the first unit, we will explore the basics of each of these areas of Film and Video.
Faster than a speeding bullet: How motion is used in film and related terminology.
Seeing Red: The use and effect of color in film and terminology.
Moving pictures: The art of capturing light and terminology.
Cutting room floor: Basic principles and terminology in video editing.
A million little pieces: The constituent parts of a film- terminology and basics.
Say What?: An in depth review of important film terminology.
The Last Of The Mohicans: A Case Study
The Last of the Mohicans, loosely based on writings by James Fenimore Cooper in and around 1826 about real events surrounding the French-Indian War (inappropriately named as it was really a war between the French and the British for control of that part of North America) takes place in the Northern British American Colonies in 1757 before the American Revolution (and before the USA was a country). The movie has many important areas worth studying. The following are a list of the most salient points the movie has to offer as a study guide.
Motion: The film has an excellent consistency in how it uses motion to manipuate the viewers feelings regarding the actions on screen.
Sound: The film does an excellent job using sound to amplify the climatic moments of the film, from the beginning deer hunt to the eventual suicide and retribution of the antagonist in Magwa.
Music: The film is widely regarded as having one of the best musical scores of any motion picture. The music is especially useful to study as it incorporates time period pieces (music written at or near the time of when the movie was meant to take place) and uses them to bring the audience more deeply into what it felt like to live in 1765.
Character: It most movies of this genre, the hero defeats the villain. In The Last of The Mohicans, the hero (Daniel Day Lewis' character Hawkeye or Long Rifle) does not defeat the antagonist as is the norm, rather his adopted father who we see only rarely and as very much as secondary character, carries out the act of vengeance or retribution against the stories main antagonist, Magwa, for the killing of his son (Hawkyes adopted brother). It would have been very easy for the screenwriters to have Daniel Day Lewis' character, an actor of great fame and prestige kill the main antagonist in the climax, however, they chose to stay with the father taking the role of avenger and thus going against the "Hollywood" norm of the hero defeating the anti-hero.
Plot: The major "plot twist" in The Last of the Mohicans" is that we do not expect Major Duncan Howard to sacrifice his life so that the woman he loves (Madeline Stowe's character) can be with the man she loves (Daniel Day Lewis') character. We see Major Duncan Howard as a snobbish, British-centric, however brave character, but we do not see what lies deep in his soul. In offering himself up as a sacrifice for a woman that he loves, his arrogance and air of cultural superiority turns into a real admiration for the character of his person as someone who believed he that being a great person meant making the greatest sacrifice. This is the kind of character we very rarely see in film and, while it is jarring and some might argue, hard to accept as believable, it is extremely powerful nonetheless. Most importantly, it illustrates a complexity of a secondary character that most movies never even get close to achieving.
First Assignment:
Textual Analysis, LOTM: Write 2 pages on one aspect of textual analysis in the film. This could be any of the following: Motion, Light, Color, Sound, Dialogue, Framing. You can write about plot if you like but please email me first to hear your ideas. Due September 7th.
WEEK 2
Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 7,8th, student presentations of their textual analysis.
Production Analysis, LOTM: Write a 1 page analysis on an element of production. This could be any of the following: Set Design, Hair and Makeup, Props, Location, Costume, Use of Extras or anything else you would like to write about (but email me first). Due Sept 8th,
Weekend Homework: Case Study "Lost in Translation":
First Read page 17 of the IB Subject Guide. Then watch "Lost in Translation."
HW: 4 page paper analyzing gender roles and technical aspects of the film. Due Monday, Sept. 14th.
In the first half of the paper (2 pages), consider the gender roles and gender issues in the film. Analyze the movie from the point of view of the main male and female characters in the movie. Is this movie more from a woman's perspective? A man's perspective? Is it more of one than the other? Is it both equally? Or is that the wrong question to ask? Also... Is this a love story?
In the second half of the paper (2 pages), pick one of the following (from the IB Guide) and analyze the movie from a technical perspective. Your paper should be 4 pages long and contain 4 references with start and stop time stamps for the gender section (2 pages roughly) and 4 references from the technical section (each page should contain about 300 words). 4 pages is a minimum but you are welcome to write more if you feel you have more to say. Options for gender focus (choose one):
Construction according to narrative or other organizing principles
Representation of characters and issues
Target audience
Historical, economic, sociocultural and institutional factors
Options for technical focus (choose one):
Camera angles, shots and movements
Editing and sequencing
Lighting, shade, and color
Sound
Location and set design
Film History and Theory: "The Story of Film: An Odyssey"
Before we move on to other case studies, it is important that we take a step back and look at the history of film as well as major theories that have shaped the development of the art from over the decades.
The Book: The Story of Film
This series of film history is based on the book "The Story of Film" by Mark Cousins. We only have one copy right now but a class set is being ordered. For the time being, please refer to the Wikipage for a summary of the contents:
Here are the episodes (this should include all episodes):
Challenge 1 Tuesday Sept 22nd-24th Turn in edited 1 minute on Thursday, 24, or Friday, Sept 25 (even though we don't have class): Over the course of three days, shoot an over the shoulder dialogue scene with at least 3 objects in the background. The goal is to have the continuity perfect. EVERY STUDENT NEEDS THEIR OWN INDIVIDUAL AND ORIGINAL EDIT.
The shoulder should not move,
the frame should be consistent,
the back ground objects need to be consistent,
what the person is wearing,
how they did their hair,
the glasses,
everything needs to look as if it was shot all at once.
Look at the Cohen Brothers "No Country for Old Men" scene as an example:
HW: Due Sept 24th. Watch the 5 part series on how to use the Canon EOS 70D. Read the part of the manual that talks about shooting video. Write a two page summary of the technical aspects of shooting video with the Canon EOS 70D.
Well DP Film students, it's been a great first unit, I hope you have enjoyed everything from the case studies, to the SWAN Gala, to shooting and editing your own dialogue scene. Because managebac is not up and running yet, I need a folder with all your work in it. So, here is a list of things that need to be in your folder. You need to give this to me before lunch time on Friday, September 25th. You can give it to me anytime before that as well. Basically, it's everything that you have done during this first big, long unit. The list is as follows:
Textual Analysis, LOTM: Write 2 pages on one aspect of textual analysis in the film. This could be any of the following: Motion, Light, Color, Sound, Dialogue, Framing. You can write about plot if you like but please email me first to hear your ideas. Due September 7th.
Production Analysis, LOTM: Write a 1 page analysis on an element of production. This could be any of the following: Set Design, Hair and Makeup, Props, Location, Costume, Use of Extras or anything else you would like to write about (but email me first). Due Sept 8th.
HW: 4 page paper analyzing gender roles and technical aspects of the film. Due Monday, Sept. 14th
Challenge 1 Tuesday Sept 22nd-24th Turn in edited 1 minute on Thursday, 24, or Friday, Sept 25 (even though we don't have class): Over the course of three days, shoot an over the shoulder dialogue scene with at least 3 objects in the background. One edit with two people sitting. One edit with one person standing, the other sitting. The goal is to have the continuity perfect. EVERY STUDENT NEEDS THEIR OWN INDIVIDUAL AND ORIGINAL EDIT.
Due Sept 24th. Watch the 5 part series on how to use the Canon EOS 70D. Read the part of the manual that talks about shooting video. Write a two page summary of the technical aspects of shooting video with the Canon EOS 70D.
Your 1.5 page treatment for your SWAN story (typed).
Instructions for your Unit 1 Folder:
Put all of these files, including your 2 MP4 files of dialogue, into one folder. There should be 7 files in the folder. 5 documents, and 2 MP4 files. Name the folder as such: RyanUnit1Work Put that folder on a USB drive and I copy it to my computer. If you have finished all your work, and are ready to turn it in, you can do that on Thursday Sept, 24th during class. Otherwise you must turn it in BEFORE LUNCH ON FRIDAY SEPT 25th. THIS IS A FINAL DEADLINE. FAILURE TO TURN IN YOUR UNIT 1 WORK MAY RESULT IN YOUR REMOVAL FROM HL DP FILM. All this work should be done already so this should not be a problem for anyone. There are no excuses or exceptions. Just as in the real film world, a deadline is a deadline.
DON'T FORGET ABOUT YOUR SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT BELOW. AND OF COURSE, HAVE A GREAT VACATION!
END OF UNIT ASSESSMENT: BEFORE YOU START THIS FINAL ASSESSMENT, BE SURE THAT YOU HAVE TURNED IN YOUR UNIT 1 FOLDER TO ME, DONE ALL THE READING, AND WATCHED ALL THE VIDEOS ABOVE!!!
Summative Assessment: Students will be able to identify and explain various elements of a film sequence through a detailed analysis of a film sequence in a written analysis using appropriate film terminology.
Assignment Due Thursday October 5th: Write a 2,500 word detailed critical analysis of a continuous extract from one of these Scorsese films. The aim of the presentation is to encourage a close textual analysis of a continuous extract, relating its features to the film as a whole and to the wider socio-cultural context. The extract must not be longer than 5 minutes. Make sure you paper hits ALL of the following criteria:
Use appropriate film terminology.
Textual analysis of the extract considers a variety of various technical aspects (light, camera angle, camera movement, sound, editing, etc.).
The paper incorporates some basic film history and theory in the analysis. (I know we have covered just a bit of history and theory in class so it is imperative that you research the relevant film history and theory for your specific movie.)
The paper should touch on sociocultural elements as well to some degree including ideas of gender, class, time period and other aspects of culture and society in which the film takes place.
Introduction to IB DP Film
Many parts of this course will be centered around the real world project happening concurrently with this course called "Shanghai, I Love You." Or "Shanghai, Wo Ai Ni." This project will give students access to people in the film industry such as producers, directors, etc. that actually work in the film industry in Shanghai and around the world. It will also give students potential access to submit and have their screenplays made as well as work on set with industry professionals. This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity and students are heavily encouraged to be proactive in engaging with the Shanghai, I Love You project as much as possible. All information for events related to Shanghai, I Love You can be found here:
www.shanghaiiloveyou.com.SWAN: Shanghai Wo Ai Ni
Students are also encouraged, of course, to ask Mr. Louderback regarding any questions surrounding this real world project.
The first major date for this exceptional opportunity for young filmmakers is September 17 the Black Tie Event and then The Launch, September 19th, in Shanghai, which are the first events for this calendar year. Any questions can be directed towards Mr. Louderback at ryanlouderback@gmail.com.
It is very important that everyone is familiar with the IB Film Subject Guide, especially the Assessment Section. The Assessment Section tells you what you will do for your grade and how you will be graded. Please skim the Film Subject Guide and read very carefully the Assessment section.S2F2 (March 13-14, 2015) The Shanghai Student Film Festival
We are also hoping to submit, at least one film to S2F2.This is exactly what it sounds like- a student film festival and a big one.
Learn more here at:
http://www.shanghaifilmfest.org/
HERE IS THE IB FILM GUIDE: All students should read the Syllabus and the Assessment parts so they understand what they will study and how they will be graded
I am looking forward to a very exciting year of film with all of you.(End of introduction)
==
==
Unit 1 Part 1 Film and Video Fundamentals
20 hours; 5 weeksan introduction to:
Textual Analysis
Film History and Theory
Production and the Creative Process
Essential Understanding: A film comes in many layers and the act of creating a film has many stages and requires thought, planning, and perseverance.
Textual Analysis, Film History and Theory, and Production will be what we study for the next two years. In the first unit, we will explore the basics of each of these areas of Film and Video.
The Last Of The Mohicans: A Case Study
The Last of the Mohicans, loosely based on writings by James Fenimore Cooper in and around 1826 about real events surrounding the French-Indian War (inappropriately named as it was really a war between the French and the British for control of that part of North America) takes place in the Northern British American Colonies in 1757 before the American Revolution (and before the USA was a country).The movie has many important areas worth studying. The following are a list of the most salient points the movie has to offer as a study guide.
First Assignment:
Textual Analysis, LOTM: Write 2 pages on one aspect of textual analysis in the film. This could be any of the following: Motion, Light, Color, Sound, Dialogue, Framing. You can write about plot if you like but please email me first to hear your ideas. Due September 7th.WEEK 2
Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 7,8th, student presentations of their textual analysis.Production Analysis, LOTM: Write a 1 page analysis on an element of production. This could be any of the following: Set Design, Hair and Makeup, Props, Location, Costume, Use of Extras or anything else you would like to write about (but email me first). Due Sept 8th,
Weekend Homework: Case Study "Lost in Translation":
First Read page 17 of the IB Subject Guide. Then watch "Lost in Translation."HW: 4 page paper analyzing gender roles and technical aspects of the film. Due Monday, Sept. 14th.
In the first half of the paper (2 pages), consider the gender roles and gender issues in the film. Analyze the movie from the point of view of the main male and female characters in the movie. Is this movie more from a woman's perspective? A man's perspective? Is it more of one than the other? Is it both equally? Or is that the wrong question to ask? Also... Is this a love story?
In the second half of the paper (2 pages), pick one of the following (from the IB Guide) and analyze the movie from a technical perspective. Your paper should be 4 pages long and contain 4 references with start and stop time stamps for the gender section (2 pages roughly) and 4 references from the technical section (each page should contain about 300 words). 4 pages is a minimum but you are welcome to write more if you feel you have more to say.
Options for gender focus (choose one):
Options for technical focus (choose one):
Film History and Theory: "The Story of Film: An Odyssey"
Before we move on to other case studies, it is important that we take a step back and look at the history of film as well as major theories that have shaped the development of the art from over the decades.The Book: The Story of Film
This series of film history is based on the book "The Story of Film" by Mark Cousins. We only have one copy right now but a class set is being ordered. For the time being, please refer to the Wikipage for a summary of the contents:Here are the episodes (this should include all episodes):
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDQHBi32Tq0Z8IqcXrIh7z1tAU8f1Wt7SThe Story of Film
Contents
[hide]Challenge 1 Tuesday Sept 22nd-24th Turn in edited 1 minute on Thursday, 24, or Friday, Sept 25 (even though we don't have class): Over the course of three days, shoot an over the shoulder dialogue scene with at least 3 objects in the background. The goal is to have the continuity perfect. EVERY STUDENT NEEDS THEIR OWN INDIVIDUAL AND ORIGINAL EDIT.
Look at the Cohen Brothers "No Country for Old Men" scene as an example:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_0LNOfRub8
GET TO KNOW YOUR CAMERA
HW: Due Sept 24th. Watch the 5 part series on how to use the Canon EOS 70D. Read the part of the manual that talks about shooting video. Write a two page summary of the technical aspects of shooting video with the Canon EOS 70D.
Video: How to use the Canon EOS 70D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyhBKW-ohe8END OF UNIT 1 FOLDER:
Well DP Film students, it's been a great first unit, I hope you have enjoyed everything from the case studies, to the SWAN Gala, to shooting and editing your own dialogue scene. Because managebac is not up and running yet, I need a folder with all your work in it.So, here is a list of things that need to be in your folder. You need to give this to me before lunch time on Friday, September 25th. You can give it to me anytime before that as well.
Basically, it's everything that you have done during this first big, long unit.
The list is as follows:
Instructions for your Unit 1 Folder:
Put all of these files, including your 2 MP4 files of dialogue, into one folder. There should be 7 files in the folder. 5 documents, and 2 MP4 files. Name the folder as such: RyanUnit1WorkPut that folder on a USB drive and I copy it to my computer. If you have finished all your work, and are ready to turn it in, you can do that on Thursday Sept, 24th during class. Otherwise you must turn it in BEFORE LUNCH ON FRIDAY SEPT 25th. THIS IS A FINAL DEADLINE. FAILURE TO TURN IN YOUR UNIT 1 WORK MAY RESULT IN YOUR REMOVAL FROM HL DP FILM. All this work should be done already so this should not be a problem for anyone. There are no excuses or exceptions. Just as in the real film world, a deadline is a deadline.
DON'T FORGET ABOUT YOUR SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT BELOW. AND OF COURSE, HAVE A GREAT VACATION!
END OF UNIT ASSESSMENT: BEFORE YOU START THIS FINAL ASSESSMENT, BE SURE THAT YOU HAVE TURNED IN YOUR UNIT 1 FOLDER TO ME, DONE ALL THE READING, AND WATCHED ALL THE VIDEOS ABOVE!!!
Summative Assessment: Students will be able to identify and explain various elements of a film sequence through a detailed analysis of a film sequence in a written analysis using appropriate film terminology.
Assignment Due Thursday October 5th: Write a 2,500 word detailed critical analysis of a continuous extract from one of these Scorsese films.
The aim of the presentation is to encourage a close textual analysis of a continuous extract, relating its features to the film as a whole and to the wider socio-cultural context.
The extract must not be longer than 5 minutes. Make sure you paper hits ALL of the following criteria:
- Use appropriate film terminology.
- Textual analysis of the extract considers a variety of various technical aspects (light, camera angle, camera movement, sound, editing, etc.).
- The paper incorporates some basic film history and theory in the analysis. (I know we have covered just a bit of history and theory in class so it is imperative that you research the relevant film history and theory for your specific movie.)
- The paper should touch on sociocultural elements as well to some degree including ideas of gender, class, time period and other aspects of culture and society in which the film takes place.
(100 marks)Films to choose from:
Taxi Driver
Raging Bull
Goodfellas
Casino
Gangs of New York
Hugo
Any questions over the break, please email me at ryanlouderback@gmail.com
Remember, this is fun!